Vaginal dryness can range in severity from a mild itch to problems that affect every aspect of a woman’s daily life. Although vaginal dryness is often associated with menopausal symptoms, a dry vagina can occur at any time during a woman’s life for various reasons.
Read on to find out more about the symptoms of vaginal dryness and discover the best treatments for this common women’s health concern.
What is vaginal dryness?
The walls of the vagina have a layer of lubrication that protects the tissues as we move around and especially during sexual intercourse. The amount of moisture in the vagina is directly affected by hormone levels, and it diminishes during breastfeeding, at menopause, or as a result of surgery or medication.
When moisture levels drop, the walls of the vagina become thinner, drier, less elastic, more fragile, and susceptible to damage and irritation.
What does a dry vagina feel like?
Women experiencing vaginal dryness feel different levels of discomfort. For some, there may be mild irritation after being sexually active. Other women may have high levels of discomfort that affect their everyday life. In extreme cases, vaginal dryness may cause severe pain when walking, exercising, sitting down or wearing fitting underwear.
Symptoms of a dry vagina
The most common symptoms are:
- Itching and soreness in the tissues around the vagina
- Painful sex
- Increased frequency of urination and other urinary symptoms like frequent urinary tract infections
You may also notice light bleeding after intercourse as the fragile tissues can be damaged easily.
Key causes of vaginal dryness
Hormonal changes often cause a dry vagina, and common causes include:
- Menopause – over half of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness
- Breastfeeding
- Medication that affects the hormones, such as birth control and treatment for some hormone-dependent breast cancer
- Removal of the ovaries
Other causes include some autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren’s, which can affect the membranes throughout the body, causing dryness.
Self Help for Vaginal Dryness
If your vaginal dryness is mild, you may find the following useful:
Water-based lubricants
Water-based vaginal lubricants are readily available and can provide temporary relief, making sexual relations more comfortable.
Vaginal moisturisers
Regular use of these products, which are specifically designed to restore moisture levels in the delicate tissue of the vagina, can help. The most effective often contain a humectant called hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that is well tolerated in this delicate area.
Pelvic floor exercises
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with exercises will encourage blood flow to the vaginal walls, improving the resilience and health of these fragile tissues.
However, more severe cases require professional medical help, and we provide treatment options that will restore comfort to your vagina.
How we treat vaginal dryness at Myskyn
We are specialists in women’s health and advocate for the health and happiness of all women. We understand how emotionally and physically debilitating the symptoms of vaginal dryness can be, and we offer the most advanced treatments available to restore your comfort and enjoyment of all areas of your life.
Hormone replacement therapy
We prescribe HRT to our patients to help them deal with symptoms during the menopause transition. Increased oestrogen levels will provide relief from vaginal dryness and irritation.
NewGyn Polynucleotide Treatment
This advanced injectable treatment uses polynucleotides to repair damage to the vaginal walls and increases hydration to rejuvenate the delicate tissues.
EmPower RF Treatment
This highly effective yet gentle treatment uses the power of radiofrequency waves to improve the health, resilience, and elasticity of the vaginal walls.
Find out more about treatment options for vaginal dryness with MySkyn
Why not come and talk to us about your concerns? We offer a compassionate and discreet service with intimate treatments delivered by women who understand your feelings.
